Be yourself.
One, two, three—and another bend. Without interrupting the sweeping turn of my steering wheel, I drive around one bend after another, climbing higher and higher to 1,500 meters above sea level. Attentive, and also a little tense, as if I had too much energy. Adrenaline, or perhaps just anticipation. I can hardly wait, even though it has already begun. The moment I left the highway and turned onto the road that led me through the numerous towns of the Bregenzerwald region, I knew I was free.
I have time off, I'm on vacation, and not only that, no, I'm truly free. I have escaped not only the stress of work, but also any leisure stress. Because here in Warth, in this small mountain village with a population of 210, there is no glitzy nightlife, no glamorous bars or promenades to entice guests. Here, the focus is on expending energy through sport and exercise in the midst of nature, and then letting this experience linger in the evening. Too much distraction is not welcome. Warth is a place for people who live very consciously or want to learn to do so again. It is a place for people who can detach themselves from the tourist industry. In winter, Warth offers something that has become rare today: a modern, sophisticated ski area with guest amenities that have not destroyed the village character.
I have just turned onto the narrow road leading to Haus Lechblick. It leads steeply downhill to the house and the hidden carport, where I can leave my car for the whole week without worrying. The keys were handed over at a local inn. Nothing should disturb the peace and seclusion here. As I get out of the car and step outside with my luggage, I feel even freer. No more cars. No roads, no traffic noise. Above all, no crowds. Peace and quiet. It's an incredible feeling. Once I've arrived at the apartment, I sit outside on my large veranda and enjoy the unobstructed view of the mountains and forests and the smell of fresh air.
It is completely silent. An old wooden house to the right, and in front of it dark Highland cattle in the white snow. Straight ahead of me is a clear, wide view of the well-known Arlberg village of Lech, which lies in the sun as if it were resting. And behind me is the apartment where I immediately feel at home. It's as if a modern city apartment has been placed in the middle of the solitude of nature. I feel completely peaceful, as if every burden has been lifted from me. Everything is good. I lack nothing. Except my wife, who will be joining me soon. "In solitude, togetherness is most beautiful," she said to me when we were here for the first time.
We have been coming here every year since then. We appreciate the modern Vorarlberg architecture, which expresses simplicity and clarity. The simple, modern furnishings of the apartment are harmonious. They create a sense of calm. Nothing superfluous disturbs the balance. The larch wood floor invites you to walk barefoot and feel the cozy warmth that spreads through the rooms with all your senses. The large glass fronts bring nature into the apartment – every sunrise and sunset becomes an experience in itself. It is not without reason that this house was awarded the "State Prize for Tourism and Architecture."
Dust clouds of snow – the only visible movement. It is an impressive experience to encounter nature so intensely and closely, yet feel safe and protected at the same time. I rarely encounter the other residents of the house here. Everyone goes about their business. There is no hustle and bustle. Here, I can retreat and be myself.
One day, I think, we'll come here with our children for a proper family vacation. Skiing together. Cooking together. And when they get older and need to go out, we'll send them to the little bar in the village. We won't even have to worry about them. Anyway, worries – they just melt away here.
©Lena Hopp, Heidi Kalb-Vogel